Inside The Rockets

Rockets' Alperen Sengun: X-Factor vs. Warriors?

Alperen Sengun could be the difference-maker for the Houston Rockets against the Golden State Warriors.

Jeremy Brener

Dec 5, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) drives past Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Dec 5, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) drives past Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images / John Hefti-Imagn Images
In this story:

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is quite possibly the key to victory for the team against the Golden State Warriors in tomorrow's NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup.

Sengun hasn't played up to par in the first two meetings against the Warriors this season, averaging just 15 points, nine rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, all of which are lower than his yearly numbers. He also played fewer than 30 minutes in both contests due to lineups and his overall play.

ESPN writer Kevin Pelton explained Sengun's role in the upcoming matchup.

"This is the biggest NBA stage yet for Sengun, who ranks first or second on the Rockets in scoring (18.5 PPG), rebounding (10.6 RPG) and assists (5.3 APG). And the Warriors' smallball lineups present an interesting contrast for Sengun, who will need to mash inside unless coach Ime Udoka considers finishing the game without him on the court," Pelton writes.

The Rockets are a better team when Sengun is on the court, so finding a way to win with him out there is the most ideal scenario. Could the Rockets find a lineup without him that beats the Warriors? Maybe, but it's far less likely for that to happen.

Sengun and the Rockets face off against the Warriors tomorrow at Toyota Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT.

Want to join the discussion? Like Rockets on SI Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Rockets news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.

Published
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

Home/News